Disease overview

Cardiomyopathy is a cardiovascular condition that causes degeneration of the heart and thinning of heart muscle walls. These thin walls then stretch due to blood pressure inside the heart, resulting in an enlarged heart. This condition leads to sudden death around 6-8 weeks of age.

Gene name

PLN

Inheritance

Autosomal dominant

Signs and symptoms

Initial signs can include severe congestive heart failure, breathing that is rapid and/or heavy, a blue tongue, excessive drooling, or collapse.

How is it diagnosed

A veterinarian will review health history and conduct a thorough exam that includes clinical signs to help diagnose this condition. Laboratory testing and imaging as well as echocardiograms (ECG) may be performed. Genetic testing can determine if there is a mutation present.

Breeds at higher risk

Citations

Yost O, Friedenberg SG, Jesty SA, Olby NJ, Meurs KM. The R9H phospholamban mutation is associated with highly penetrant dilated cardiomyopathy and sudden death in a spontaneous canine model. Gene. 2019 May 20;697:118-122. doi: 10.1016/j.gene.2019.02.022. Epub 2019 Feb 19. PMID: 30794913.

Disclaimer

Disease diagnosis and treatment should always be performed by a veterinarian. The following information is for educational purposes only.